String Gauge for Drop E 8 String

[Masoo2]

What would you recommend to be the optimal gauges for an 8 string tuned to Drop E (EBEADGBE) with a 27 inch scale? (Along with the ability to tune the E up to an F if the need arises)

Looking for heavy bottom and a medium-skinny top.

I've heard people say a .80 for the E, others have said use a .86, so I am really confused xd.

 

[RGM8]

I just ordered a set of Elixir 7 string strings .010 .013 .017 .026 .036 .046 .056 plus a bass string of .085 for Drop E on my RG8, I used to use the heaviest set DR had, but the lowest E was a little light, I think an .085 would work great, and if my 5 string set that came with my Ibanez BTB1405 they will last for ages, I played that for at least 1-2 hours a day for a year, replaced the strings and they still had the same tone and looked the same, great strings with great tone.

 

[Mike]

I always recommend Kalium strings for extended range application. They have very good tension, but are made in a way that allows them to have much better clarity when using their bigger gauges compared to say D'Addario or Ernie Ball. I have experimented with so many sets of strings and tension combinations and Kalium by far has had the best results. For your low E I really wouldn't go with anything less than an .086, otherwise it's going to feel pretty much like spaghetti.

To compare, on most 6 strings (25.5" or 24.75" scales), a .046 for E is about 20 lbs. of tension (give or take depending on the brand). Good tension, but still able to do bends without a ton of effort. Now up the scale to 27". To mimic that feel were going to want to hit about 20 lbs. A .086 string comes out to be roughly 18 lbs. so it's very close and still playable. My personal preference though and what I use for a low E is a .090. It's just a hair under 20 lbs. of tension and feels just right.

So with that said, here's my recommendations:
For a little bit lighter set:
.009, .012, .016, .022, .031, .043, .059, .090

For a tighter set:
.009, .012, .016, .023, .033, .045, .061, .090

Based on your desire for a heavy bottom and a medium-skinny top, my second recommendation seems like it should be exactly what you're looking for.

 

[Masoo2]

Thanks Mike and RGM8.

I have a feeling that mike's tigher set should be more of what I am looking for, as I am looking for a tight, tight, tight bottom (I have a 67 for the B on my 7 string, and sometimes I feel that it is just a tad too light, not much, but just a tad)